Paul Joseph Lesage

Paul Joseph LeSage, 91, of Petaluma, passed away suddenly on May 22nd, 2023. He was our beloved “Papa”; a wonderful man, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He will be sorely missed. He was preceded in death by his wife, Priscilla, and a daughter, Celeste.

Paul was born Oct 12, 1931 in New York City, NY. He grew up in North Adams, Massachusetts and attended L’Ecole Notre Dame de Sacre Coeur through 8th grade, where half the school day was taught in French and half in English. Paul graduated from Drury High School in 1948. It was in high school, while working as a “soda jerk” in the local pharmacy, that he found his calling and the love of his life, Priscilla Grande. He and Priscilla married on June 26, 1954 in North Adams, MA. Their love story lasted over 55 years until Priscilla’s passing June 22nd, 2010.

Paul graduated from Massachusetts College of Pharmacy. Most of his pharmacy career was spent in the Public Health Service, where he was truly a pioneer in the field of Hospital Pharmacy. His pharmacy career took him to hospitals in New Orleans, Savannah, Seattle, Baltimore, and San Francisco. He retired as a USCG Captain in 1979 after 23 years of service. Paul then entered the private sector, working as a hospital pharmacist at Kaiser-Vallejo and Palm Drive Hospital until retirement.

More than anything, Paul was devoted to his family. He cherished spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, attending countless sporting events, recitals, programs, and family pasta dinners.

Paul was very active in St James Catholic Church, serving on the finance committee for many years and running a capital campaign. He was instrumental in starting the Knights of Columbus chapter there and was its first Grand Knight. He also served on the finance committee for the Diocese.

Paul was also involved in his community as a Library Commissioner for Rohnert Park Library for many years.

Bridge was a big part of Paul’s life from card parties as young adults to being in much demand by several groups in his later years.

Paul and Priscilla raised 7 children: Russell (Marianne), Michele, Brian (Afsaneh), Paulette (Ken), Denise (Mark), Celeste, and Jacqueline (Scott). He had 14 grandchildren: Casey Caldwell (Jen), Celeste Caldwell Sutter (Dan), Nicole Deal, Cascade LeSage (Rachel), Eddie LeSage, Ceerous LeSage, Ellika LeSage, Matthew Gilbert (Michelle), Nicole Gilbert Tighe (Tommy), Logan Mast, Kyla Mast, Christophe Gish, Chantal Gish, and Dylan Ceresa. There are eight great-grandchildren to date.

Rosary and Visitation: Parent Sorenson Funeral Home, 5:30 pm Friday, June 16th

Mass of Christian Burial: Saturday, June 17th, 11:00 am. St James Catholic Church

Memorial contributions to: Birthright, 252 Howard St., Petaluma, CA 94952

Celebration of Life: Saturday, June 17th, Torches restaurant in Petaluma, 12:30-4:00 Food provided.